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McNeill SM, Zhao P. The roles of RGS proteins in cardiometabolic disease. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2319-2337. [PMID: 36964984 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most prominent receptors on the surface of the cell and play a central role in the regulation of cardiac and metabolic functions. GPCRs transmit extracellular stimuli to the interior of the cells by activating one or more heterotrimeric G proteins. The duration and intensity of G protein-mediated signalling are tightly controlled by a large array of intracellular mediators, including the regulator of G protein signalling (RGS) proteins. RGS proteins selectively promote the GTPase activity of a subset of Gα subunits, thus serving as negative regulators in a pathway-dependent manner. In the current review, we summarise the involvement of RGS proteins in cardiometabolic function with a focus on their tissue distribution, mechanisms of action and dysregulation under various disease conditions. We also discuss the potential therapeutic applications for targeting RGS proteins in treating cardiometabolic conditions and current progress in developing RGS modulators. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M McNeill
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peishen Zhao
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins (CCeMMP), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Walker V. The Intricacies of Renal Phosphate Reabsorption-An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4684. [PMID: 38731904 PMCID: PMC11083860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
To maintain an optimal body content of phosphorus throughout postnatal life, variable phosphate absorption from food must be finely matched with urinary excretion. This amazing feat is accomplished through synchronised phosphate transport by myriads of ciliated cells lining the renal proximal tubules. These respond in real time to changes in phosphate and composition of the renal filtrate and to hormonal instructions. How they do this has stimulated decades of research. New analytical techniques, coupled with incredible advances in computer technology, have opened new avenues for investigation at a sub-cellular level. There has been a surge of research into different aspects of the process. These have verified long-held beliefs and are also dramatically extending our vision of the intense, integrated, intracellular activity which mediates phosphate absorption. Already, some have indicated new approaches for pharmacological intervention to regulate phosphate in common conditions, including chronic renal failure and osteoporosis, as well as rare inherited biochemical disorders. It is a rapidly evolving field. The aim here is to provide an overview of our current knowledge, to show where it is leading, and where there are uncertainties. Hopefully, this will raise questions and stimulate new ideas for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Walker
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton S016 6YD, UK
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3
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Nürnberg B, Beer-Hammer S, Reisinger E, Leiss V. Non-canonical G protein signaling. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 255:108589. [PMID: 38295906 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The original paradigm of classical - also referred to as canonical - cellular signal transduction of heterotrimeric G proteins (G protein) is defined by a hierarchical, orthograde interaction of three players: the agonist-activated G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), which activates the transducing G protein, that in turn regulates its intracellular effectors. This receptor-transducer-effector concept was extended by the identification of regulators and adapters such as the regulators of G protein signaling (RGS), receptor kinases like βARK, or GPCR-interacting arrestin adapters that are integrated into this canonical signaling process at different levels to enable fine-tuning. Finally, the identification of atypical signaling mechanisms of classical regulators, together with the discovery of novel modulators, added a new and fascinating dimension to the cellular G protein signal transduction. This heterogeneous group of accessory G protein modulators was coined "activators of G protein signaling" (AGS) proteins and plays distinct roles in canonical and non-canonical G protein signaling pathways. AGS proteins contribute to the control of essential cellular functions such as cell development and division, intracellular transport processes, secretion, autophagy or cell movements. As such, they are involved in numerous biological processes that are crucial for diseases, like diabetes mellitus, cancer, and stroke, which represent major health burdens. Although the identification of a large number of non-canonical G protein signaling pathways has broadened the spectrum of this cellular communication system, their underlying mechanisms, functions, and biological effects are poorly understood. In this review, we highlight and discuss atypical G protein-dependent signaling mechanisms with a focus on inhibitory G proteins (Gi) involved in canonical and non-canonical signal transduction, review recent developments and open questions, address the potential of new approaches for targeted pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Nürnberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Experimental Therapy and Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, and ICePhA Mouse Clinic, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Sandra Beer-Hammer
- Department of Pharmacology, Experimental Therapy and Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, and ICePhA Mouse Clinic, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ellen Reisinger
- Gene Therapy for Hearing Impairment Group, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Tübingen Medical Center, Elfriede-Aulhorn-Straße 5, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Veronika Leiss
- Department of Pharmacology, Experimental Therapy and Toxicology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, and ICePhA Mouse Clinic, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
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Beckers P, Doyen PJ, Hermans E. Modulation of Type 5 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Intracellular Calcium Mobilization by Regulator of G Protein Signaling 4 (RGS4) in Cultured Astrocytes. Cells 2024; 13:291. [PMID: 38391904 PMCID: PMC10886878 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Acting as GTPase activating proteins promoting the silencing of activated G-proteins, regulators of G protein signaling (RGSs) are generally considered negative modulators of cell signaling. In the CNS, the expression of RGS4 is altered in diverse pathologies and its upregulation was reported in astrocytes exposed to an inflammatory environment. In a model of cultured cortical astrocytes, we herein investigate the influence of RGS4 on intracellular calcium signaling mediated by type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR5), which is known to support the bidirectional communication between neurons and glial cells. RGS4 activity was manipulated by exposure to the inhibitor CCG 63802 or by infecting the cells with lentiviruses designed to achieve the silencing or overexpression of RGS4. The pharmacological inhibition or silencing of RGS4 resulted in a decrease in the percentage of cells responding to the mGluR5 agonist DHPG and in the proportion of cells showing typical calcium oscillations. Conversely, RGS4-lentivirus infection increased the percentage of cells showing calcium oscillations. While the physiological implication of cytosolic calcium oscillations in astrocytes is still under investigation, the fine-tuning of calcium signaling likely determines the coding of diverse biological events. Indirect signaling modulators such as RGS4 inhibitors, used in combination with receptor ligands, could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches for diverse neurological disorders with improved efficacy and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emmanuel Hermans
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (P.B.); (P.J.D.)
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McIntire WE, Purdy MD, Leonhardt SA, Kucharska I, Hanson MA, Poulos S, Garrison JC, Linden J, Yeager M. G protein β 4 as a structural determinant of enhanced nucleotide exchange in the A 2AAR-Gs complex. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3814988. [PMID: 38343806 PMCID: PMC10854301 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3814988/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine A2A receptors (A2AAR) evoke pleiotropic intracellular signaling events via activation of the stimulatory heterotrimeric G protein, Gs. Here, we used cryoEM to solve the agonist-bound structure of A2AAR in a complex with full-length Gs α and Gβ4γ2 (A2AAR-Gs α:β4γ2). The orthosteric binding site of A2AAR-Gs α:β4γ2 was similar to other structures of agonist-bound A2AAR, with or without Gs. Unexpectedly, the solvent accessible surface area within the interior of the complex was substantially larger for the complex with Gβ4 versus the closest analog, A2AAR-miniGs α:β1γ2. Consequently, there are fewer interactions between the switch II in Gs α and the Gβ4 torus. In reconstitution experiments Gβ4γ2 displayed a ten-fold higher efficiency over Gβ1γ2 in catalyzing A2AAR dependent GTPγS binding to Gs α. We propose that the less constrained switch II in A2AAR-Gs α:β4γ2 accounts for this increased efficiency. These results suggest that Gβ4 functions as a positive allosteric enhancer versus Gβ1.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E. McIntire
- The Phillip and Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146
| | - Michael D. Purdy
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
- Molecular Electron Microscopy Core, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Susan A. Leonhardt
- The Phillip and Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146
| | - Iga Kucharska
- The Phillip and Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146
| | - Michael A. Hanson
- The Phillip and Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146
| | - Sandra Poulos
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - James C. Garrison
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22903 Virginia 22908, USA
| | - Joel Linden
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Mark Yeager
- The Phillip and Patricia Frost Institute for Chemistry and Molecular Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146
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Zhang Q, Sjögren B. Palmitoylation of RGS20 affects Gα o-mediated signaling independent of its GAP activity. Cell Signal 2023; 107:110682. [PMID: 37075876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Regulator of protein signaling (RGS20) is a member of the RGS protein superfamily, which serve as key negative regulators of G protein-mediated signal transduction. Through their GTPase accelerating protein (GAP) activity, RGS proteins deactivate α-subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins. In addition, the majority of RGS proteins also have the ability to act through other, non-GAP related, functions. RGS20 is one of three members of the RZ subfamily, which all show selective GAP activity towards Gαz, however emerging data suggest that RGS20 can also regulate Gi/o-mediated signaling. While increased RGS20 expression is associated with the progression of multiple cancers, a large gap still exists relating to the mechanisms of RGS20 regulation and function. RGS20 contains a poly-cysteine string motif and a conserved cysteine in RGS domain, which are assumed to be palmitoylated. Palmitoylation, an important post-translational modification, plays an important role in cells by changing cellular functions of proteins. Consequently, the aim of this study was to confirm that RGS20 is palmitoylated and determine how palmitoylation affects its inhibition of Gαo-mediated signaling. We found a significant positive correlation between RGS20 palmitoylation and its association with active Gαo. We also showed that a conserved cysteine residue in the RGS domain is a critical site for its palmitoylation, with large impact on its association with Gαo. Palmitoylation on this site did not affect its GAP activity, however, it increased the inhibition of Gαo-mediated cAMP signaling. Altogether these data suggest that palmitoylation is a regulatory mechanism controlling RGS20 function, and that RGS20 can inhibit Gαo signaling through both GAP activity and non-GAP mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America
| | - Benita Sjögren
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States of America.
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Pisanò CA, Mercatelli D, Mazzocchi M, Brugnoli A, Morella I, Fasano S, Zaveri NT, Brambilla R, O'Keeffe GW, Neubig RR, Morari M. Regulator of G-Protein Signalling 4 (RGS4) negatively modulates nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid receptor signalling: Implication for l-Dopa-induced dyskinesia. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:927-942. [PMID: 34767639 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Regulator of G-protein signalling 4 (RGS4) is a signal transduction protein that accelerates intrinsic GTPase activity of Gαi/o and Gαq subunits, suppressing GPCR signalling. Here, we investigate whether RGS4 modulates nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) opioid (NOP) receptor signalling and if this modulation has relevance for l-Dopa-induced dyskinesia. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH HEK293T cells transfected with NOP, NOP/RGS4 or NOP/RGS19 were challenged with N/OFQ and the small-molecule NOP agonist AT-403, using D1-stimulated cAMP levels as a readout. Primary rat striatal neurons and adult mouse striatal slices were challenged with either N/OFQ or AT-403 in the presence of the experimental RGS4 chemical probe, CCG-203920, and D1-stimulated cAMP or phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK) responses were monitored. In vivo, CCG-203920 was co-administered with AT-403 and l-Dopa to 6-hydroxydopamine hemilesioned rats, and dyskinetic movements, striatal biochemical correlates of dyskinesia (pERK and pGluR1 levels) and striatal RGS4 levels were measured. KEY RESULTS RGS4 expression reduced NOFQ and AT-403 potency and efficacy in HEK293T cells. CCG-203920 increased N/OFQ potency in primary rat striatal neurons and potentiated AT-403 response in mouse striatal slices. CCG-203920 enhanced AT-403-mediated inhibition of dyskinesia and its biochemical correlates, without compromising its motor-improving effects. Unilateral dopamine depletion caused bilateral reduction of RGS4 levels, which was reversed by l-Dopa. l-Dopa acutely up-regulated RGS4 in the lesioned striatum. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS RGS4 physiologically inhibits NOP receptor signalling. CCG-203920 enhanced NOP responses and improved the antidyskinetic potential of NOP receptor agonists, mitigating the effects of striatal RGS4 up-regulation occurring during dyskinesia expression. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa A Pisanò
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Mercatelli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Mazzocchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alberto Brugnoli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Stefania Fasano
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, Medicinal Chemistry Division, Mountain View, California, USA
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gerard W O'Keeffe
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Smith E, Keeley TP. Monitoring ADO dependent proteolysis in cells using fluorescent reporter proteins. Methods Enzymol 2023. [PMID: 37532403 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
2-Aminoethanethiol dioxygenase (ADO) is the mammalian orthologue of the plant cysteine oxidases and together these enzymes are responsible for catalysing dioxygenation of N-terminal cysteine residues of certain proteins. This modification creates an N-degron motif that permits arginylation and subsequent proteasomal degradation of such proteins via the Arg-branch of the N-degron pathway. In humans 4 proteins have been identified as substrates of ADO; regulators of G-protein signalling (RGS) 4, 5 and 16, and interleukin-32 (IL-32). Nt-cysteine dioxygenation of these proteins occurs rapidly under normoxic conditions, but ADO activity is very sensitive to O2 availability and as such the stability of substrate proteins is inversely proportional to cellular O2 levels. Much is still to understand about the biochemistry and physiology of this pathway in vitro and in vivo, and Cys N-degron targeted fluorescent proteins can provide a simple and effective tool to study this at both subcellular and high-throughput scales. This chapter describes the design, production and implementation of a fluorescent fusion protein proteolytically regulated by ADO and the N-degron pathway.
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Wadhawan M, Ahmad F, Yadav S, Rathaur S. Proteomic Analysis Reveals Differential Protein Expression Induced by Inhibition of Prolyl Oligopeptidase in Filarial Parasites. Protein J 2022; 41:613-624. [PMID: 36271977 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-022-10080-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) plays a crucial role in the processing and degradation of neuropeptides and regulates inositol trisphosphate (IP3) signaling in mammals. We have reported that POP inhibition leads to IP3-mediated calcium efflux leading to mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in the filarial parasite Setaria cervi. This study further elucidates the effect of altered calcium homeostasis on the proteome of filarial parasites. Adult parasites were treated with POP's specific inhibitor, Z-Pro-prolinal (ZPP), for 7 h. Cytosolic and mitochondrial proteome was analyzed using 2D gel electrophoresis coupled with MALDI-MS/MS. Phosphoproteins were also analyzed in the cytosolic fraction of the parasites. The phosphoprotein analysis revealed 7, and 9 spots in the cytosolic fraction of control and ZPP-treated parasites, respectively. The two identified protein spots in the treated set were found to be involved in G protein signaling. In cytosolic fraction, 109 and 112 protein spots were observed in control and treated parasites, respectively. Of these, 56 upregulated and 32 downregulated protein spots were observed in the treated set. On the other hand, 50 and 47 protein spots were detected in the mitochondrial fraction of control and treated parasites, respectively. Of these spots, 18 upregulated and 12 down-regulated protein spots were found in treated parasites. In silico analysis showed that the identified proteins were involved in energy metabolism, calcium signaling, stress response, and cytoskeleton organization. These findings correlate with our previous results suggesting the important regulatory role of POP in signaling and different metabolic pathways of filarial parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Wadhawan
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, 221005, Varanasi, India
| | - Faiyaz Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, 221005, Varanasi, India
| | - Smita Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, 221005, Varanasi, India
| | - Sushma Rathaur
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, 221005, Varanasi, India.
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10
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Chan KYY, Chung PY, Zhang C, Poon ENY, Leung AWK, Leung KT. R4 RGS proteins as fine tuners of immature and mature hematopoietic cell trafficking. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:785-797. [PMID: 35694792 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.1mr0422-475r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse group of membrane receptors. They are involved in almost every physiologic process and consequently have a pivotal role in an extensive number of pathologies, including genetic, neurologic, and immune system disorders. Indeed, the vast array of GPCRs mechanisms have led to the development of a tremendous number of drug therapies and already account for about a third of marketed drugs. These receptors mediate their downstream signals primarily via G proteins. The regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins are now in the spotlight as the critical modulatory factors of active GTP-bound Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins to fine-tune the biologic responses driven by the GPCRs. Also, they possess noncanonical functions by multiple mechanisms, such as protein-protein interactions. Essential roles and impacts of these RGS proteins have been revealed in physiology, including hematopoiesis and immunity, and pathologies, including asthma, cancers, and neurologic disorders. This review focuses on the largest subfamily of R4 RGS proteins and provides a brief overview of their structures and G-proteins selectivity. With particular interest, we explore and highlight, their expression in the hematopoietic system and the regulation in the engraftment of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Distinct expression patterns of R4 RGS proteins in the hematopoietic system and their pivotal roles in stem cell trafficking pave the way for realizing new strategies for enhancing the clinical performance of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Finally, we discuss the exciting future trends in drug development by targeting RGS activity and expression with small molecules inhibitors and miRNA approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Yuen Yee Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Po Yee Chung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ellen Ngar Yun Poon
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alex Wing Kwan Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kam Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.,Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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11
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Regulator of G protein signaling 2 inhibits Gα q-dependent uveal melanoma cell growth. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101955. [PMID: 35452684 PMCID: PMC9120238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in Gαq/11 are a major driver of uveal melanoma (UM), the most common intraocular cancer in adults. While progress has recently been made in targeting Gαq/11 for UM therapy, the crucial role for these proteins in normal physiology and their high structural similarity with many other important GTPase proteins renders this approach challenging. The aim of the current study was to validate whether a key regulator of Gq signaling, regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2), can inhibit Gαq-mediated UM cell growth. We used two UM cell lines, 92.1 and Mel-202, which both contain the most common activating mutation GαqQ209L and developed stable cell lines with doxycycline-inducible RGS2 protein expression. Using cell viability assays, we showed that RGS2 could inhibit cell growth in both of these UM cell lines. We also found that this effect was independent of the canonical GTPase-activating protein activity of RGS2 but was dependent on the association between RGS2 and Gαq. Furthermore, RGS2 induction resulted in only partial reduction in cell growth as compared to siRNA-mediated Gαq knockdown, perhaps because RGS2 was only able to reduce mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling downstream of phospholipase Cβ, while leaving activation of the Hippo signaling mediators yes-associated protein 1/TAZ, the other major pathway downstream of Gαq, unaffected. Taken together, our data indicate that RGS2 can inhibit UM cancer cell growth by associating with GαqQ209L as a partial effector antagonist.
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12
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Hanson J. [G proteins: privileged transducers of 7-transmembrane spanning receptors]. Biol Aujourdhui 2022; 215:95-106. [PMID: 35275054 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2021011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors or GPCR are the most abundant membrane receptors in our genome with around 800 members. They play an essential role in most physiological and pathophysiological phenomena. In addition, they constitute 30% of the targets of currently marketed drugs and remain an important reservoir for new innovative therapies. Their main effectors are heterotrimeric G proteins. These are composed of 3 subunits, α, β and γ, which, upon coupling with a GPCR, dissociate into Gα and Gβγ to activate numerous signaling pathways. This article describes some of the recent advances in understanding the function and role of heterotrimeric G proteins. After a short introduction to GPCRs, the history of the discovery of G proteins is briefly described. Then, the fundamental mechanisms of activation, signaling and regulation of G proteins are reviewed. New paradigms concerning intracellular signaling, specific recognition of G proteins by GPCRs as well as biased signaling are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Hanson
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie Moléculaire, GIGA-Molecular Biology of Diseases, Université de Liège, CHU, B34, Tour GIGA (+4), Avenue de l'Hôpital 11, B-4000 Liège, Belgique
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13
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R4 RGS proteins suppress engraftment of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells by modulating SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling. Blood Adv 2021; 5:4380-4392. [PMID: 34500454 PMCID: PMC8579266 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Specific R4 RGS members are expressed in human HSPCs and regulated by the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. RGS1/13/16 suppress HSPC engraftment, SDF-1 signaling, and key effectors of stem cell trafficking/maintenance.
Homing and engraftment of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) into the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment are tightly regulated by the chemokine stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and its G-protein–coupled receptor C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), which on engagement with G-protein subunits, trigger downstream migratory signals. Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) are GTPase-accelerating protein of the Gα subunit and R4 subfamily members have been implicated in SDF-1–directed trafficking of mature hematopoietic cells, yet their expression and influence on HSPCs remain mostly unknown. Here, we demonstrated that human CD34+ cells expressed multiple R4 RGS genes, of which RGS1, RGS2, RGS13, and RGS16 were significantly upregulated by SDF-1 in a CXCR4-dependent fashion. Forced overexpression of RGS1, RGS13, or RGS16 in CD34+ cells not only inhibited SDF-1–directed migration, calcium mobilization, and phosphorylation of AKT, ERK, and STAT3 in vitro, but also markedly reduced BM engraftment in transplanted NOD/SCID mice. Genome-wide microarray analysis of RGS-overexpressing CD34+ cells detected downregulation of multiple effectors with established roles in stem cell trafficking/maintenance. Convincingly, gain-of-function of selected effectors or ex vivo priming with their ligands significantly enhanced HSPC engraftment. We also constructed an evidence-based network illustrating the overlapping mechanisms of RGS1, RGS13, and RGS16 downstream of SDF-1/CXCR4 and Gαi. This model shows that these RGS members mediate compromised kinase signaling and negative regulation of stem cell functions, complement activation, proteolysis, and cell migration. Collectively, this study uncovers an essential inhibitory role of specific R4 RGS proteins in stem cell engraftment, which could potentially be exploited to develop improved clinical HSPC transplantation protocols.
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14
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RGS14 Regulation of Post-Synaptic Signaling and Spine Plasticity in Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136823. [PMID: 34201943 PMCID: PMC8268017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulator of G-protein signaling 14 (RGS14) is a multifunctional signaling protein that regulates post synaptic plasticity in neurons. RGS14 is expressed in the brain regions essential for learning, memory, emotion, and stimulus-induced behaviors, including the basal ganglia, limbic system, and cortex. Behaviorally, RGS14 regulates spatial and object memory, female-specific responses to cued fear conditioning, and environmental- and psychostimulant-induced locomotion. At the cellular level, RGS14 acts as a scaffolding protein that integrates G protein, Ras/ERK, and calcium/calmodulin signaling pathways essential for spine plasticity and cell signaling, allowing RGS14 to naturally suppress long-term potentiation (LTP) and structural plasticity in hippocampal area CA2 pyramidal cells. Recent proteomics findings indicate that RGS14 also engages the actomyosin system in the brain, perhaps to impact spine morphogenesis. Of note, RGS14 is also a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein, where its role in the nucleus remains uncertain. Balanced nuclear import/export and dendritic spine localization are likely essential for RGS14 neuronal functions as a regulator of synaptic plasticity. Supporting this idea, human genetic variants disrupting RGS14 localization also disrupt RGS14’s effects on plasticity. This review will focus on the known and unexplored roles of RGS14 in cell signaling, physiology, disease and behavior.
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15
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Squires KE, Gerber KJ, Tillman MC, Lustberg DJ, Montañez-Miranda C, Zhao M, Ramineni S, Scharer CD, Saha RN, Shu FJ, Schroeder JP, Ortlund EA, Weinshenker D, Dudek SM, Hepler JR. Human genetic variants disrupt RGS14 nuclear shuttling and regulation of LTP in hippocampal neurons. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100024. [PMID: 33410399 PMCID: PMC7949046 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.016009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human genome contains vast genetic diversity as naturally occurring coding variants, yet the impact of these variants on protein function and physiology is poorly understood. RGS14 is a multifunctional signaling protein that suppresses synaptic plasticity in dendritic spines of hippocampal neurons. RGS14 also is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein, suggesting that balanced nuclear import/export and dendritic spine localization are essential for RGS14 functions. We identified genetic variants L505R (LR) and R507Q (RQ) located within the nuclear export sequence (NES) of human RGS14. Here we report that RGS14 encoding LR or RQ profoundly impacts protein functions in hippocampal neurons. RGS14 membrane localization is regulated by binding Gαi-GDP, whereas RGS14 nuclear export is regulated by Exportin 1 (XPO1). Remarkably, LR and RQ variants disrupt RGS14 binding to Gαi1-GDP and XPO1, nucleocytoplasmic equilibrium, and capacity to inhibit long-term potentiation (LTP). Variant LR accumulates irreversibly in the nucleus, preventing RGS14 binding to Gαi1, localization to dendritic spines, and inhibitory actions on LTP induction, while variant RQ exhibits a mixed phenotype. When introduced into mice by CRISPR/Cas9, RGS14-LR protein expression was detected predominantly in the nuclei of neurons within hippocampus, central amygdala, piriform cortex, and striatum, brain regions associated with learning and synaptic plasticity. Whereas mice completely lacking RGS14 exhibit enhanced spatial learning, mice carrying variant LR exhibit normal spatial learning, suggesting that RGS14 may have distinct functions in the nucleus independent from those in dendrites and spines. These findings show that naturally occurring genetic variants can profoundly alter normal protein function, impacting physiology in unexpected ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Squires
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia, USA
| | - Kyle J Gerber
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia, USA
| | | | - Daniel J Lustberg
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia, USA
| | | | - Meilan Zhao
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh North Carolina, USA
| | - Suneela Ramineni
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia, USA
| | | | - Ramendra N Saha
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California-Merced, Merced California, USA
| | - Feng-Jue Shu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia, USA
| | - Jason P Schroeder
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia, USA
| | - Eric A Ortlund
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia, USA
| | - David Weinshenker
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia, USA
| | - Serena M Dudek
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh North Carolina, USA
| | - John R Hepler
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia, USA.
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16
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Fok C, Bogosanovic M, Pandya M, Telang R, Thorne PR, Vlajkovic SM. Regulator of G Protein Signalling 4 (RGS4) as a Novel Target for the Treatment of Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010003. [PMID: 33374915 PMCID: PMC7792627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We and others have previously identified signalling pathways associated with the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) as important regulators of cellular responses to injury in the cochlea. We have shown that the “post-exposure” treatment with adenosine A1R agonists confers partial protection against acoustic trauma and other forms of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The aim of this study was to determine if increasing A1R responsiveness to endogenous adenosine would have the same otoprotective effect. This was achieved by pharmacological targeting of the Regulator of G protein Signalling 4 (RGS4). RGS proteins inhibit signal transduction pathways initiated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) by enhancing GPCR deactivation and receptor desensitisation. A molecular complex between RGS4 and neurabin, an intracellular scaffolding protein expressed in neural and cochlear tissues, is the key negative regulator of A1R activity in the brain. In this study, Wistar rats (6–8 weeks) were exposed to traumatic noise (110 dBSPL, 8–16 kHz) for 2 h and a small molecule RGS4 inhibitor CCG-4986 was delivered intratympanically in a Poloxamer-407 gel formulation for sustained drug release 24 or 48 h after noise exposure. Intratympanic administration of CCG-4986 48 h after noise exposure attenuated noise-induced permanent auditory threshold shifts by up to 19 dB, whilst the earlier drug administration (24 h) led to even better preservation of auditory thresholds (up to 32 dB). Significant improvement of auditory thresholds and suprathreshold responses was linked to improved survival of sensorineural tissues and afferent synapses in the cochlea. Our studies thus demonstrate that intratympanic administration of CCG-4986 can rescue cochlear injury and hearing loss induced by acoustic overexposure. This research represents a novel paradigm for the treatment of various forms of SNHL based on regulation of GPCR.
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17
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Liu Y, Vashisth H. Allosteric Pathways Originating at Cysteine Residues in Regulators of G-Protein Signaling Proteins. Biophys J 2020; 120:517-526. [PMID: 33347886 PMCID: PMC7895990 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins play a central role in modulating signaling via G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Specifically, RGS proteins bind to activated Gα subunits in G-proteins, accelerate the GTP hydrolysis, and thereby rapidly dampen GPCR signaling. Therefore, covalent molecules targeting conserved cysteine residues among RGS proteins have emerged as potential candidates to inhibit the RGS/Gα protein-protein interaction and enhance GPCR signaling. Although these inhibitors bind to conserved cysteine residues among RGS proteins, we have previously suggested [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2018;140:3454–3460] that their potencies and specificities are related to differential protein dynamics among RGS proteins. Using data from all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal these differences in dynamics of RGS proteins by partitioning the protein structural space into a network of communities that allow allosteric signals to propagate along unique pathways originating at inhibitor binding sites and terminating at the RGS/Gα protein-protein interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
| | - Harish Vashisth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire.
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18
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McNabb HJ, Gonzalez S, Muli CS, Sjögren B. N-Terminal Targeting of Regulator of G Protein Signaling Protein 2 for F-Box Only Protein 44-Mediated Proteasomal Degradation. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:677-685. [PMID: 33008920 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins are negative modulators of G protein signaling that have emerged as promising drug targets to improve specificity and reduce side effects of G protein-coupled receptor-related therapies. Several small molecule RGS protein inhibitors have been identified; however, enhancing RGS protein function is often more clinically desirable but presents a challenge. Low protein levels of RGS2 are associated with various pathologies, including hypertension and heart failure. For this reason, RGS2 is a prominent example wherein enhancing its function would be beneficial. RGS2 is rapidly ubiquitinated and proteasomally degraded, providing a point of intervention for small molecule RGS2-stabilizing compounds. We previously identified a novel cullin-RING E3 ligase utilizing F-box only protein 44 (FBXO44) as the substrate recognition component. Here, we demonstrate that RGS2 associates with FBXO44 through a stretch of residues in its N terminus. RGS2 contains four methionine residues close to the N terminus that can act as alternative translation initiation sites. The shorter translation initiation variants display reduced ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation as a result of lost association with FBXO44. In addition, we show that phosphorylation of Ser3 may be an additional mechanism to protect RGS2 from FBXO44-mediated proteasomal degradation. These findings contribute to elucidating mechanisms regulating steady state levels of RGS2 protein and will inform future studies to develop small molecule RGS2 stabilizers. These would serve as novel leads in pathologies associated with low RGS2 protein levels, such as hypertension, heart failure, and anxiety. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: E3 ligases provide a novel point of intervention for therapeutic development, but progress is hindered by the lack of available information about specific E3-substrate pairs. Here, we provide molecular detail on the recognition of regulator of G protein signaling protein 2 (RGS2) by its E3 ligase, increasing the potential for rational design of small molecule RGS2 protein stabilizers. These would be clinically useful in pathologies associated with low RGS2 protein levels, such as hypertension, heart failure, and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison J McNabb
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Stephanie Gonzalez
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Christine S Muli
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Benita Sjögren
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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19
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Gupta MN, Roy I. Drugs, host proteins and viral proteins: how their promiscuities shape antiviral design. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:205-222. [PMID: 32918378 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The reciprocal nature of drug specificity and target specificity implies that the same is true for their respective promiscuities. Protein promiscuity has two broadly different types of footprint in drug design. The first is relaxed specificity of binding sites for substrates, inhibitors, effectors or cofactors. The second involves protein-protein interactions of regulatory processes such as signal transduction and transcription, and here protein intrinsic disorder plays an important role. Both viruses and host cells exploit intrinsic disorder for their survival, as do the design and discovery programs for antivirals. Drug action, strictly speaking, always relies upon promiscuous activity, with drug promiscuity enlarging its scope. Drug repurposing searches for additional promiscuity on the part of both the drug and the target in the host. Understanding the subtle nuances of these promiscuities is critical in the design of novel and more effective antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munishwar Nath Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Ipsita Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, 160062, India
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20
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Regulators of G protein signalling as pharmacological targets for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105148. [PMID: 32858121 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain, a specific type of chronic pain resulting from persistent nervous tissue lesions, is a debilitating condition that affects about 7% of the population. This condition remains particularly difficult to treat because of the poor understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Drugs currently used to alleviate this chronic pain syndrome are of limited benefit due to their lack of efficacy and the elevated risk of side effects, especially after a prolonged period of treatment. Although drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) also have several limitations, such as progressive loss of efficacy due to receptor desensitization or unavoidable side effects due to wide receptor distribution, the identification of several molecular partners that contribute to the fine-tuning of receptor activity has raised new opportunities for the development of alternative therapeutic approaches. Regulators of G protein signalling (RGS) act intracellularly by influencing the coupling process and activity of G proteins, and are amongst the best-characterized physiological modulators of GPCR. Changes in RGS expression have been documented in a range of models of neuropathic pain, or after prolonged treatment with diverse analgesics, and could participate in altered pain processing as well as impaired physiological or pharmacological control of nociceptive signals. The present review summarizes the experimental data that implicates RGS in the development of pain with focus on the pathological mechanisms of neuropathic pain, including the impact of neuropathic lesions on RGS expression and, reciprocally, the influence of modifying RGS on GPCRs involved in the modulation of nociception as well as on the outcome of pain. In this context, we address the question of the relevance of RGS as promising targets in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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21
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Gupta MN, Alam A, Hasnain SE. Protein promiscuity in drug discovery, drug-repurposing and antibiotic resistance. Biochimie 2020; 175:50-57. [PMID: 32416199 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are supposed to bind to their substrates/ligands in a specific manner via their pre-formed binding sites, according to classical biochemistry. In recent years, several types of deviations from this norm have been observed and called promiscuous behavior. Enzymatic promiscuities allow several biochemical functions to be carried out by the same enzyme. The promiscuous activity can also be the origin of "new proteins" via gene duplication. In more recent years, proteins from prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses have been found to have intrinsic disorder and lack a preformed binding site. Intrinsic disorder is exploited in regulatory proteins such as those that are involved in transcription and signal transduction. Such proteins function by folding locally while binding to their ligands or interacting with other proteins. These phenomena have also been classified as examples of protein promiscuity and encompass diverse kinds of ligands that can bind to a protein. Given the significant extent of structural homology in many protein families, it is not surprising that ligands also have been found to display promiscuity. Promiscuous behavior of proteins offers both challenges and opportunities to the drug discovery programs such as drug repurposing. Pathogens when exposed to antibiotics exploit protein promiscuity in several ways to develop resistance to the drug. There is increasing evidence now to support that the disorder in proteins is a major tool used by pathogens for virulence and evade drug action by exploiting protein promiscuity. This review provides a holistic view of this multi-faceted phenomenon called protein promiscuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munishwar N Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Anwar Alam
- ICMR-National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Seyed E Hasnain
- JH-Institute of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India; Dr Reddy's Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Professor CR Rao Road, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
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22
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DiGiacomo V, Maziarz M, Luebbers A, Norris JM, Laksono P, Garcia-Marcos M. Probing the mutational landscape of regulators of G protein signaling proteins in cancer. Sci Signal 2020; 13:13/617/eaax8620. [PMID: 32019900 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aax8620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The advent of deep-sequencing techniques has revealed that mutations in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathways in cancer are more prominent than was previously appreciated. An emergent theme is that cancer-associated mutations tend to cause enhanced GPCR pathway activation to favor oncogenicity. Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins are critical modulators of GPCR signaling that dampen the activity of heterotrimeric G proteins through their GTPase-accelerating protein (GAP) activity, which is conferred by a conserved domain dubbed the "RGS-box." Here, we developed an experimental pipeline to systematically assess the mutational landscape of RGS GAPs in cancer. A pan-cancer bioinformatics analysis of the 20 RGS domains with GAP activity revealed hundreds of low-frequency mutations spread throughout the conserved RGS domain structure with a slight enrichment at positions that interface with G proteins. We empirically tested multiple mutations representing all RGS GAP subfamilies and sampling both G protein interface and noninterface positions with a scalable, yeast-based assay. Last, a subset of mutants was validated using G protein activity biosensors in mammalian cells. Our findings reveal that a sizable fraction of RGS protein mutations leads to a loss of function through various mechanisms, including disruption of the G protein-binding interface, loss of protein stability, or allosteric effects on G protein coupling. Moreover, our results also validate a scalable pipeline for the rapid characterization of cancer-associated mutations in RGS proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent DiGiacomo
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Marcin Maziarz
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Alex Luebbers
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jillian M Norris
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Pandu Laksono
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Mikel Garcia-Marcos
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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23
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O'Brien JB, Wilkinson JC, Roman DL. Regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins as drug targets: Progress and future potentials. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:18571-18585. [PMID: 31636120 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev119.007060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play critical roles in regulating processes such as cellular homeostasis, responses to stimuli, and cell signaling. Accordingly, GPCRs have long served as extraordinarily successful drug targets. It is therefore not surprising that the discovery in the mid-1990s of a family of proteins that regulate processes downstream of GPCRs generated great excitement in the field. This finding enhanced the understanding of these critical signaling pathways and provided potentially new targets for pharmacological intervention. These regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins were viewed by many as nodes downstream of GPCRs that could be targeted with small molecules to tune signaling processes. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the discovery of RGS proteins and of the gradual and continuing discovery of their roles in disease states, focusing particularly on cancer and neurological disorders. We also discuss high-throughput screening efforts that have led to the discovery first of peptide-based and then of small-molecule inhibitors targeting a subset of the RGS proteins. We explore the unique mechanisms of RGS inhibition these chemical tools have revealed and highlight the most up-to-date studies using these tools in animal experiments. Finally, we discuss the future opportunities in the field, as there are clearly more avenues left to be explored and potentials to be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B O'Brien
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - Joshua C Wilkinson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242
| | - David L Roman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Iowa City, Iowa 52242; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242.
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24
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Muntean BS, Patil DN, Madoux F, Fossetta J, Scampavia L, Spicer TP, Martemyanov KA. A High-Throughput Time-Resolved Fluorescence Energy Transfer Assay to Screen for Modulators of RGS7/Gβ5/R7BP Complex. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2019; 16:150-161. [PMID: 29658790 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2017.839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are excellent drug targets exploited by majority of the Food and Drug Administration-approved medications, but when modulated, are often accompanied by significant adverse effects. Targeting of other elements in GPCR pathways for improved safety and efficacy is thus an unmet need. The strength of GPCR signaling is tightly regulated by regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins, making them attractive drug targets. We focused on a prominent RGS complex in the brain consisting of RGS7 and its binding partners Gβ5 and R7BP. These complexes play critical roles in regulating multiple GPCRs and essential physiological processes, yet no small molecule modulators are currently available to modify its function. In this study, we report a novel high-throughput approach to screen for small molecule modulators of the intramolecular transitions in the RGS7/Gβ5/R7BP complex known to be involved in its allosteric regulation. We developed a time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer-based in vitro assay that utilizes full-length recombinant proteins and shows consistency, excellent assay statistics, and high level of sensitivity. We demonstrated the potential of this approach by screening two compound libraries (LOPAC 1280 and MicroSource Spectrum). This study confirms the feasibility of the chosen strategy for identifying small molecule modulators of RGS7/Gβ5/R7BP complex for impacting signaling downstream of the GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Muntean
- 1 Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute , Jupiter, Florida
| | - Dipak N Patil
- 1 Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute , Jupiter, Florida
| | - Franck Madoux
- 2 Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute , Jupiter, Florida
| | | | - Louis Scampavia
- 2 Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute , Jupiter, Florida
| | - Timothy P Spicer
- 2 Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute , Jupiter, Florida
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25
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Bonsi P, Ponterio G, Vanni V, Tassone A, Sciamanna G, Migliarini S, Martella G, Meringolo M, Dehay B, Doudnikoff E, Zachariou V, Goodchild RE, Mercuri NB, D'Amelio M, Pasqualetti M, Bezard E, Pisani A. RGS9-2 rescues dopamine D2 receptor levels and signaling in DYT1 dystonia mouse models. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 11:emmm.201809283. [PMID: 30552094 PMCID: PMC6328939 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201809283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine D2 receptor signaling is central for striatal function and movement, while abnormal activity is associated with neurological disorders including the severe early-onset DYT1 dystonia. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that regulate D2 receptor signaling in health and disease remain poorly understood. Here, we identify a reduced D2 receptor binding, paralleled by an abrupt reduction in receptor protein level, in the striatum of juvenile Dyt1 mice. This occurs through increased lysosomal degradation, controlled by competition between β-arrestin 2 and D2 receptor binding proteins. Accordingly, we found lower levels of striatal RGS9-2 and spinophilin. Further, we show that genetic depletion of RGS9-2 mimics the D2 receptor loss of DYT1 dystonia striatum, whereas RGS9-2 overexpression rescues both receptor levels and electrophysiological responses in Dyt1 striatal neurons. This work uncovers the molecular mechanism underlying D2 receptor downregulation in Dyt1 mice and in turn explains why dopaminergic drugs lack efficacy in DYT1 patients despite significant evidence for striatal D2 receptor dysfunction. Our data also open up novel avenues for disease-modifying therapeutics to this incurable neurological disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ponterio
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Vanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tassone
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sciamanna
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Migliarini
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Benjamin Dehay
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France.,CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Evelyne Doudnikoff
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France.,CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Venetia Zachariou
- Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rose E Goodchild
- Department of Neurosciences, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D'Amelio
- Laboratory Molecular Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Medicine, University Campus-Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasqualetti
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France.,CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy .,Department of Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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26
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The neurobiological basis for novel experimental therapeutics in dystonia. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 130:104526. [PMID: 31279827 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, twisting movements, and abnormal postures that may affect one or multiple body regions. Dystonia is the third most common movement disorder after Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Despite its relative frequency, small molecule therapeutics for dystonia are limited. Development of new therapeutics is further hampered by the heterogeneity of both clinical symptoms and etiologies in dystonia. Recent advances in both animal and cell-based models have helped clarify divergent etiologies in dystonia and have facilitated the identification of new therapeutic targets. Advances in medicinal chemistry have also made available novel compounds for testing in biochemical, physiological, and behavioral models of dystonia. Here, we briefly review motor circuit anatomy and the anatomical and functional abnormalities in dystonia. We then discuss recently identified therapeutic targets in dystonia based on recent preclinical animal studies and clinical trials investigating novel therapeutics.
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27
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Patil DN, Rangarajan ES, Novick SJ, Pascal BD, Kojetin DJ, Griffin PR, Izard T, Martemyanov KA. Structural organization of a major neuronal G protein regulator, the RGS7-Gβ5-R7BP complex. eLife 2018; 7:42150. [PMID: 30540250 PMCID: PMC6310461 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling by the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) plays fundamental role in a vast number of essential physiological functions. Precise control of GPCR signaling requires action of regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins that deactivate heterotrimeric G proteins. RGS proteins are elaborately regulated and comprise multiple domains and subunits, yet structural organization of these assemblies is poorly understood. Here, we report a crystal structure and dynamics analyses of the multisubunit complex of RGS7, a major regulator of neuronal signaling with key roles in controlling a number of drug target GPCRs and links to neuropsychiatric disease, metabolism, and cancer. The crystal structure in combination with molecular dynamics and mass spectrometry analyses reveals unique organizational features of the complex and long-range conformational changes imposed by its constituent subunits during allosteric modulation. Notably, several intermolecular interfaces in the complex work in synergy to provide coordinated modulation of this key GPCR regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipak N Patil
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Erumbi S Rangarajan
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Scott J Novick
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Bruce D Pascal
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Douglas J Kojetin
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Patrick R Griffin
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Tina Izard
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
| | - Kirill A Martemyanov
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, United States
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28
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Squires KE, Montañez-Miranda C, Pandya RR, Torres MP, Hepler JR. Genetic Analysis of Rare Human Variants of Regulators of G Protein Signaling Proteins and Their Role in Human Physiology and Disease. Pharmacol Rev 2018; 70:446-474. [PMID: 29871944 DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.015354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins modulate the physiologic actions of many neurotransmitters, hormones, and other signaling molecules. Human RGS proteins comprise a family of 20 canonical proteins that bind directly to G protein-coupled receptors/G protein complexes to limit the lifetime of their signaling events, which regulate all aspects of cell and organ physiology. Genetic variations account for diverse human traits and individual predispositions to disease. RGS proteins contribute to many complex polygenic human traits and pathologies such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, schizophrenia, depression, addiction, cancers, and many others. Recent analysis indicates that most human diseases are due to extremely rare genetic variants. In this study, we summarize physiologic roles for RGS proteins and links to human diseases/traits and report rare variants found within each human RGS protein exome sequence derived from global population studies. Each RGS sequence is analyzed using recently described bioinformatics and proteomic tools for measures of missense tolerance ratio paired with combined annotation-dependent depletion scores, and protein post-translational modification (PTM) alignment cluster analysis. We highlight selected variants within the well-studied RGS domain that likely disrupt RGS protein functions and provide comprehensive variant and PTM data for each RGS protein for future study. We propose that rare variants in functionally sensitive regions of RGS proteins confer profound change-of-function phenotypes that may contribute, in newly appreciated ways, to complex human diseases and/or traits. This information provides investigators with a valuable database to explore variation in RGS protein function, and for targeting RGS proteins as future therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Squires
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (K.E.S., C.M.-M., J.R.H.); and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia (R.R.P., M.P.T.)
| | - Carolina Montañez-Miranda
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (K.E.S., C.M.-M., J.R.H.); and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia (R.R.P., M.P.T.)
| | - Rushika R Pandya
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (K.E.S., C.M.-M., J.R.H.); and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia (R.R.P., M.P.T.)
| | - Matthew P Torres
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (K.E.S., C.M.-M., J.R.H.); and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia (R.R.P., M.P.T.)
| | - John R Hepler
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (K.E.S., C.M.-M., J.R.H.); and School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia (R.R.P., M.P.T.)
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29
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Depression-resistant Phenotype in Mice Overexpressing Regulator of G Protein Signaling 8 (RGS8). Neuroscience 2018; 383:160-169. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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30
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Madigan LA, Wong GS, Gordon EM, Chen WS, Balenga N, Koziol-White CJ, Panettieri RA, Levine SJ, Druey KM. RGS4 Overexpression in Lung Attenuates Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Mice. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2018; 58:89-98. [PMID: 28853915 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2017-0109oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A cardinal feature of asthma is airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to spasmogens, many of which activate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) on airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. Asthma subtypes associated with allergy are characterized by eosinophilic inflammation in the lung due to the type 2 immune response to allergens and proinflammatory mediators that promote AHR. The degree to which intrinsic abnormalities of ASM contribute to this phenotype remains unknown. The regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins are a large group of intracellular proteins that inhibit GPCR signaling pathways. RGS2- and RGS5-deficient mice develop AHR spontaneously. Although RGS4 is upregulated in ASM from patients with severe asthma, the effects of increased RGS4 expression on AHR in vivo are unknown. Here, we examined the impact of forced RGS4 overexpression in lung on AHR using transgenic (Tg) mice. Tg RGS4 was expressed in bronchial epithelium and ASM in vivo, and protein expression in lung was increased at least 4-fold in Tg mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Lung slices from Tg mice contracted less in response to the m3 muscarinic receptor agonist methacholine compared with the WT, although airway resistance in live, unchallenged mice of both strains was similar. Tg mice were partially protected against AHR induced by fungal allergen challenge due to weakened contraction signaling in ASM and reduced type 2 cytokine (IL-5 and IL-13) levels in Tg mice compared with the WT. These results provide support for the hypothesis that increasing RGS4 expression and/or function could be a viable therapeutic strategy for asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Madigan
- 1 Molecular Signal Transduction Section, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and
| | - Gordon S Wong
- 1 Molecular Signal Transduction Section, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and
| | - Elizabeth M Gordon
- 2 Laboratory of Asthma and Lung Inflammation, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Wei-Sheng Chen
- 1 Molecular Signal Transduction Section, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and
| | - Nariman Balenga
- 1 Molecular Signal Transduction Section, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and
| | - Cynthia J Koziol-White
- 3 Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, Child Health Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Reynold A Panettieri
- 3 Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, Child Health Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Stewart J Levine
- 2 Laboratory of Asthma and Lung Inflammation, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Kirk M Druey
- 1 Molecular Signal Transduction Section, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and
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31
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Maziarz M, Garcia-Marcos M. Fluorescence polarization assays to measure interactions between Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins and regulatory motifs. Methods Cell Biol 2017; 142:133-143. [PMID: 28964332 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence polarization (FP) is a simple and sensitive method allowing for the quantification of interactions between proteins and fluorescently tagged small molecules like peptides. Heterotrimeric G proteins are critical signal transducing molecules and their activity is controlled by a complex network of regulatory proteins. Some of these regulators have defined short motifs (<40 amino acids) that are sufficient to bind G proteins and subsequently modulate their activity. For these cases, FP represents a robust and quantitative method to characterize the G protein regulator interaction. Here we describe FP assays in a 384-well plate format to quantify interactions between Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins and peptides corresponding to the Gα binding and activating (GBA) or GoLoco motifs, which are present in some proteins with guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) (e.g., GIV/Girdin) or guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) (e.g., RGS12) activity, respectively. This assay can be used to determine equilibrium dissociation constants, characterize the impact of single amino acid point mutations on the Gα-peptide interaction, and is suitable for high-throughput screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Maziarz
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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32
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Sjögren B. The evolution of regulators of G protein signalling proteins as drug targets - 20 years in the making: IUPHAR Review 21. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:427-437. [PMID: 28098342 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulators of G protein signalling (RGS) proteins are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their discovery. The unveiling of this new family of negative regulators of G protein signalling in the mid-1990s solved a persistent conundrum in the G protein signalling field, in which the rate of deactivation of signalling cascades in vivo could not be replicated in exogenous systems. Since then, there has been tremendous advancement in the knowledge of RGS protein structure, function, regulation and their role as novel drug targets. RGS proteins play an important modulatory role through their GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity at active, GTP-bound Gα subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins. They also possess many non-canonical functions not related to G protein signalling. Here, an update on the status of RGS proteins as drug targets is provided, highlighting advances that have led to the inclusion of RGS proteins in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY database of drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Sjögren
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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33
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Druey KM. Emerging Roles of Regulators of G Protein Signaling (RGS) Proteins in the Immune System. Adv Immunol 2017; 136:315-351. [PMID: 28950950 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kirk M Druey
- Molecular Signal Transduction Section, Laboratory of Allergic Diseases, NIAID/NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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